For Immediate Release: February 15, 2011
Thomasville Police Detective Charged with Insurance Fraud
RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the indictment and arrest of Alan Dale Pope, 48, of 281 Cody Drive, Thomasville; he is charged with one count each of insurance fraud and obstruction of justice.
Department of Insurance criminal investigators allege that between June 13 and July 5, 2010, Pope, a Thomasville Police Department detective, made false claims to N.C. Farm Bureau Insurance Group that his air conditioning unit was damaged entirely by lightning, when it was actually damaged intentionally or by other means. Pope is further accused of contacting a witness in the criminal investigation and asking the witness to produce documentation to support his false claim.
Pope turned himself in to authorities at the Davidson County Sheriff's Office on Feb. 10. He was processed and released on a $100,000 unsecured bond.
The arrest was a result of a joint investigation by the Department of Insurance and State Bureau of Investigation that arose from a complaint made by the N.C. Farm Bureau Insurance Group.
"Our Criminal Investigations Division and agents from the State Bureau of Investigation worked together seamlessly on this case," said Insurance Commissioner Goodwin. "I commend them both for fighting insurance fraud in all its forms, which helps keep insurance premiums down for the people of North Carolina."
The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2010, these criminal investigators successfully closed 402 cases and made 126 arrests, leading to 88 criminal convictions. These resulted in more than $21.1 million in restitution and recoveries-more than double the dollar amount from the previous year and a record for NCDOI.
An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.com.
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